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Glendale has adopted the 2024 International Residential Code for permits applied for on or after June 23, 2026, so a basement bedroom needs an egress window under Section R319. That means at least 5.7 sq ft of net clear opening, at least 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, with a sill no higher than 44 in. The well must be at least 9 sq ft with 36 in. of projection, and it needs a ladder if it is deeper than 44 in. We set up the project, and our local installer cuts the opening, sets the window and finishes the well. Check with Glendale's Building & Permits Department before work starts.
Glendale has adopted the 2024 International Residential Code for permits applied for on or after June 23, 2026, so a basement bedroom needs an egress window under Section R319. That means at least 5.7 sq ft of net clear opening, at least 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, with a sill no higher than 44 in. The well must be at least 9 sq ft with 36 in. of projection, and it needs a ladder if it is deeper than 44 in. We set up the project, and our local installer cuts the opening, sets the window and finishes the well. Check with Glendale's Building & Permits Department before work starts.
Egress code in Glendale
- Authority: City of Glendale Building & Permits Department (https://www.glendale.co.us/109/Building-Code-and-Permit-Forms). Email: buildingpermits@glendale.co.us. Phone: 303-759-1513 (Glendale Municipal Offices). Address: 950 S Birch Street, Glendale, CO 80246 (both shown on the official page).
- Edition: 2024 IRC, adopted by Ordinance No. 1, Series of 2026 (adopted 6/2/2026, in effect for permits applied for on or after 6/23/2026), replacing the 2018 codes. Sources: https://ecode360.com/GL4460/laws/LF2720786.pdf and https://www.glendale.co.us/109/Building-Code-and-Permit-Forms
- Section: Section R319 (Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings) of the 2024 IRC
- Local amendments: reviewed. Glendale's IRC amendments cover R101.1, Table R301.2 and P2603.5.1; none touch R319.
Egress windows in Glendale
Glendale is a small city of its own in Arapahoe County, surrounded on every side by Denver along Cherry Creek. Much of its housing is apartments and condos, but it also has single-family homes and townhomes with basements. If you want to make one of those lower levels a legal bedroom, or just give your household a safer way out, an egress window is usually the first step.
What the code asks for. Glendale moved from the 2018 codes to the 2024 IRC on June 23, 2026. Every basement sleeping room needs an emergency escape and rescue opening under Section R319. Our local installer builds to the same numbers on every job:
- a net clear opening of at least 5.7 sq ft
- at least 24 in. high and 20 in. wide
- a sill no more than 44 in. above the finished floor
Outside, the window well must be at least 9 sq ft, with at least 36 in. of projection and width. Any well deeper than 44 in. gets a permanent ladder or steps.
How a project runs. We set up the job with you and confirm the room, the wall and what the window needs to do. Then our local installer measures, cuts the foundation, sets the window and buck, digs and installs the well, and handles drainage and finish work. Glendale requires a permit even for window replacement work, and that paperwork is part of the job. In a condo or townhome, check your HOA rules as well.
Not sure your current window qualifies? Try our free egress window check to compare your opening against the code numbers.
What it costs. The price depends on the wall, the depth of the cut, the window style and the well. See our Denver egress window cost guide for what drives the price.
Nearby. We also cover Denver, Aurora and Englewood. See all of Cherry Hills Village, Sheridan & Glendale.
Before work starts, check with your building department. It has the final say on your address, its code edition and any local amendments.
Services in Glendale
Egress windows · Window wells · Covers · Basement egress
Ready to add egress to your Glendale basement?
We set up the project, and our local installer measures the room, cuts the opening, sets the window and well, and handles the permit paperwork with Glendale's Building & Permits Department.
Frequently asked questions
Which code covers egress windows in Glendale?
Glendale adopted the 2024 IRC through Ordinance No. 1, Series of 2026. It applies to permits applied for on or after June 23, 2026, and egress windows are covered in Section R319. Confirm with the Building & Permits Department before you build.
How big must a Glendale egress window be?
It needs at least 5.7 sq ft of net clear opening, at least 24 in. of height and 20 in. of width, and a sill no more than 44 in. above the finished floor.
When does a Glendale window well need a ladder?
When it is deeper than 44 in. The well itself must be at least 9 sq ft, with 36 in. of projection and width.
Do I need a permit for an egress window in Glendale?
Yes. Glendale requires permits for window replacement work and for any alteration, regardless of size. The permit paperwork is handled as part of the job.
How much does an egress window cost in Glendale?
It depends on the wall, the window and the well. Our cost guide explains what drives the price, and the quote is free.